Month: April 2025

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to food delivery companies Swiggy and Zepto, as well as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, over allegations that their mobile apps are inaccessible to visually impaired users.

The court’s move comes after a petition was filed by NGO Mission Accessibility, which claimed that the apps’ inaccessibility violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Constitution of India.

Justice Sachin Datta directed Swiggy, Zepto, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to respond to the petition within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for May 28.

The notice has been issued on a petition filed by NGO Mission Accessibility through advocate Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem.

Advocate Rahul Bajaj appeared for the petitioner. The petition highlights several issues with the apps, including a lack of accessible features, unlabeled interactive elements, the absence of essential product details, and the inability of visually impaired users to position their device cameras for necessary transactions.

The apps are not compatible with screen-reader software, making it difficult for visually impaired users to navigate and use the services independently. The inaccessibility of the apps allegedly denies visually impaired users their fundamental rights to equality, dignity, and freedom of expression.

Petitioner has submitted that these mobile apps failed to comply with the requirements under Sections 40 and 46 of the Rights of People with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules, 2017.

It is further stated that the inaccessibility of these applications violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Rules.

The inaction of the Respondent Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in enforcing these standards further exacerbates the issue, the plea added.

The petitioner seeks directions to: A detailed accessibility audit to identify existing barriers faced by persons with disabilities’ Ensure full compliance with digital accessibility standards and make platforms screen-reader friendly; Offer alternative mechanisms for inaccessible elements and integrate essential features like voice-guided camera positioning and hold non-compliant entities accountable under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act under Sections 89 & 90 of the RPwD Act, 2016. (ANI)

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who made a name for himself as possibly the greatest batter in cricket’s history with his unmatched consistency, longevity, hunger for runs and audacity to take on some of the world’s very best teams and bowlers, turned 52 on Thursday.

Tendulkar is a name known in households not only in India, but across all major cricketing nations in this world. It would not be wrong to say that the sport owes a lot to the ‘Master Blaster’ for the sheer popularity, competitiveness and money power it currently enjoys. Many of the world’s current great batters and leaders, such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, etc, owe their strokeplay, passion for the game and match-winning abilities to the master himself.

The Maharashtra-born player made his Test debut on November 15, 1989, at the age of 16. In the same year, on December 18, he also got his maiden ODI cap. Over the years, with his astonishing range of strokes, which he kept re-inventing, upgrading, and polishing owing to injuries, team situations, age, conditions, etc., Tendulkar accumulated a massive 34,357 runs in 664 international appearances at an average of 48.52.

Sachin is the highest run-scorer in international cricket. He has scored 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries, the most in international cricket. He stands alone at the top with a century of centuries.

The once-child prodigy went on to become the undisputed greatest batter in Tests, amassing 15,921 runs in 200 matches at a batting average of 53.78 that many greats would envy, against bowling attacks and conditions that rattled some highly talented stars. Along the way, Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries, the most by any player.

With 18,426 runs in ODIs at an average of 44.83 in 463 matches, 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries, Tendulkar evolved from a middle-order batter to being the greatest ODI batter and opener ever. Though he was surpassed by Virat Kohli for the record of most centuries during 2023 Cricket World Cup at his home venue of Wankhede Stadium, the show of respect by the man hailed as ‘King’ proves that Sachin’s 49 tons are more than a statistic and hold a special place in everyone’s hearts and there is surely no one above ‘The God of Cricket’ no matter what the number game is.

The Master Blaster is also the first-ever cricketer to have hit a double hundred in ODIs, against South Africa at Gwalior in February 2010 and to have played a total of 200 Test matches.

Tendulkar is part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. After his World Cup debut in 1992, his dream to win the prestigious trophy came true in 2011 after India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by six wickets. The batting legend, committed fully to his dream of holding the cup in his hands, emerged as India’s top run-getter with 482 runs in nine matches, with two centuries and two fifties. It was only fitting that Tendulkar experienced the greatest night of his cricketing career at Wankhede Stadium, a venue that he first stepped inside as a boy wonder.

The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed.

The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a special press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

“The CCS was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. A number of others sustained injuries,” Misri said.

He said strong expressions of support and solidarity have been received from many Governments around the world, which have unequivocally condemned this terror attack.

“The CCS recorded its appreciation for such sentiments, which reflect zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said.

Misri said in the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The CCS decided on a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism.

Misri said the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect.

Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and they have a week to leave India

He said the overall strength of the High Commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, to be implemented by May 1, 2025.

“Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures – The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. 2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025,” Misri said.

“Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India. The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India,” he added. (ANI)

A day after Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect.

Addressing a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme.

The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and they have a week to leave India.

He said the overall strength of the High Commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, to be implemented by May 1, 2025.

“Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures – The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025,” Misri said.

“Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India. The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India,” he added.

He said India will be withdrawing its own Defence, Navy and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. “These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled,” Misri said.

Misri said the CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account.

“As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible,” he said.

Misri said that in the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out.

It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. (ANI)

Salman Khan has expressed grief and anger over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that led to the loss of many lives and has shaken the nation.

“Kashmir, heaven on planet earth, turning into hell. Innocent people are being targeted, my heart goes out to their families. Ek bhi innocent ko maarna puri kainath ko maarne ke barabar hai,” Salman Khan said in a post on X.

The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, has been strongly condemned by political parties as also world leaders.

Many celebrities condemned the attack and expressed their condolences.

SRK took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his pain over the loss of innocent lives and urged people across the nation to stay “strong and united.”

“Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that have suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we, as a nation, stand united, strong, and seek justice for this heinous act,” he said in a post on X.

Alia Bhatt called the news from Pahalgam “heartbreaking,” writing, “Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just… living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there’s only grief.”

Anushka Sharma condemned the incident as a “cold-blooded terror attack,” while Sidharth Malhotra said it is a “cowardly act”. “I have full faith in our armed forces, and I’m sure they will do the needful,” he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who held a security review meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday, visited the site of the terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow. He was briefed by top officials on the current situation and ongoing operations in the area.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team reached the site of the attack to join the probe and assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police. (ANI)

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led central government for the “security lapses”, questioning the role of the Home Minister and intelligence agencies.

The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “When the so-called Chanakya Home Minister is busy toppling governments, breaking parties and rigging elections, this is what happens. Where is the intelligence? Where is the surveillance? Where is James Bond Doval?”

When the so-called Chanakya Home Minister is busy toppling governments, breaking parties and rigging elections, this is what happens.

Where is the intelligence?
Where is the surveillance?
Where is James Bond Doval?

Whether #pulwama of #pahalgam in both cases, security lapses…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) April 23, 2025

“Whether #pulwama of #pahalgam in both cases, security lapses were flagged beforehand. Both ignored. And shockingly the BJP government has cut over 1.8 lakh army personnel since COVID to save money. If Manyavar Amit Shah had shown the same interest to monitor foreign threats as he does to snoop on opposition party leaders or making Jay Shah, ICC President, maybe China wouldn’t be squatting on Indian land and maybe this unfortunate attack could’ve been prevented,” the Congress leader said.

Kharge “hoped” the media will respond better.

“I hope this time the media will respond better and more responsibly than it did for Pulwama. This Government will downplay the incident, will underreport the casualties, will definitely use this tragedy to stir communal tension or blame Congress as usual. Does the PM have the guts to order HM Shah’s resignation? Will the RSS’ aggression be limited only to Vijayadashami Utsav speeches and aggression on minorities and Dalits? Do they have it in them to show the PM the door?” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag to meet the injured victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed several lives and left others wounded.

Earlier today, Shah visited the affected area of Baisaran meadow where the attack took place. The Union Minister first took an aerial stock of the region as he arrived at the site by helicopter, descending onto the meadow now bearing the scars of violence.

Reacting to the incident, former Additional Solicitor General (ASG) and senior advocate Aman Lekhi said, “It is not just an act of terror but a hate crime. It has elements of crimes against humanity. It is selecting a community for extermination. It is identifying a person on the basis of identity. It has to be treated as more than a criminal offence. It has to be responded to with as much ruthlessness as the savagery of this incident manifests. Those who have done this are animals and should be treated like animals. Don’t think any kind of compassion should be seen.” (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday paid last respects to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking to the media, CM Abdullah assured the victim’s family of all possible help.

“We condemn this and express our sympathies to the people who have suffered this shock. Our guests had come from outside to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, they have been sent back home in coffins. As I have heard, he (Adil) tried to stop the attack and perhaps even tried to snatch the gun, and that is when he was targeted. We have to take care of this family, we have to help them, and I am here to assure them all that the government stands with them and we will do whatever we can for them,” CM Omar Abdullah said.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah was a horse rider and the sole breadwinner for his family. His tragic death has left his family in mourning, struggling to cope with the loss, and asking for justice for the loss of the innocent man.

Speaking to ANI, Syed Adil Hussain Shah’s father, Syed Haider Shah, expressed grief and said that culprits involved in the terror attack must face consequences.

“My son was the only one who earned for our family. He went to Pahalgam yesterday to work, and around 3 pm, we heard about the attack. We called him, but his phone was switched off. Later, at 4:30 pm, his phone turned on, but no one answered. We rushed to the police station, and that’s when we learned that he had been injured in the attack. My son was martyred, and he was the only earner of our family. We want justice for his death. He was an innocent man. Why was he killed? Whoever is responsible must face the consequences,” he said.

Shah’s mother spoke of the irreplaceable loss of her son and said, “He was the only support we had. He used to ride horses and earned money for the family. There is no one else to provide for us now. We don’t know what we will do without him.”

This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, hours after he returned to the national capital after cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia.

The CCS meeting was held a day after the dastardly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and vowed the government’s determination to punish the perpetrators of the terror attack.

He said those involved will soon see a loud and clear response.

“I want to repeat India’s resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism… I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes… The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country,” he said at an event here.

“We lost many innocent lives in the cowardly act in Pahalgam. We are deeply distressed. I express my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones…,” Singh said.

Rajnath Singh also chaired a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh, and other officials to discuss the security situation in the region.

“The meeting discussed all issues related to the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” a source told ANI.

Earlier today, Amit Shah, who chaired a security review meeting in Srinagar, visited the site of terror attack in Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team also visited the attack site to support the Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Police in probing the terror attack.

Security forces have launched search operations to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has also been heightened. (ANI)

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which targeted innocent tourists, has sparked a wave of condemnation from both political leaders and celebrities alike.

As the nation mourns the brutal killings, prominent figures from the entertainment industry have taken to social media to express their outrage and call for swift justice.

Actor Sanjay Dutt voiced his anger, posting a message on his official X handle on Wednesday.

He wrote, “They killed our people in cold blood. This can’t be forgiven, these terrorists need to know we are not staying quiet. We need to retaliate, I request our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, Home Minister @AmitShah ji and Defence Minister @rajnathsingh ji to give them what they deserve.”

Vicky Kaushal shared his sentiments on Instagram, writing, “Can’t imagine the pain of the family members who lost their loved ones in the absolutely inhumane act of terrorism in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences and prayers. Hope the culprits behind this heinous act are brought to justice.”

Anil Kapoor also expressed his shock and sorrow, posting, “Heartbroken by the tragic attack in Pahalgam. Praying for strength and peace.”

Director Karan Johar, known for his social media presence, shared his own thoughts, saying, “This is heartbreaking… Prayers to the families and loved ones of the innocent lives lost in this heinous attack…”

Jr NTR, the famous Telugu actor, also condemned the attack, posting on his X handle, “Heart goes out to the victims of the #Pahalgam attack. My thoughts are with their families. Praying for peace and justice.”

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia. PM Modi, who had been in the Kingdom for a two-day State visit at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, arrived back in New Delhi early on Wednesday morning.

According to government sources, the Prime Minister skipped an official dinner in Saudi Arabia and made the decision to return immediately following the tragic events in Pahalgam.

Upon his arrival in the national capital, PM Modi held a high-level meeting at Palam Airport with key officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, to discuss the security situation in Kashmir and the next steps in response to the attack.

Prime Minister Modi condemned the terror attack, offering his condolences to the families of the victims.

He shared a message on his X handle, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger.”

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, also curtailed her official visit abroad following the attack.

Sitharaman, who was on a trip to the United States and Peru, made the decision to return to India to address the ongoing situation.

This attack is considered one of the most significant and brutal terror incidents since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 in the region.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, has launched an extensive search operation in the Baisran area of Pahalgam to apprehend those responsible for the violence. (ANI)